A 69-year-old woman from Durham almost missed out on a life-changing inheritance from America after initially dismissing a phone call about a distant relative's fortune as a potential scam.
The Incredible Knock at the Door
Georgina, who has chosen to protect her full identity, received a call informing her she had inherited approximately £500,000 from a cousin in the United States. Her first instinct was to put the phone down, sceptical of the unexpected news.
However, after thinking about it overnight, she decided to investigate further. Her caution turned to belief when there was a knock on her door. A representative from Finders International, the firm featured on the BBC's Heir Hunters, introduced himself with identification.
"A really lovely former police officer from Finders International introduced himself with identification and gently explained that they believed I had a first cousin in America called Joanna - and that sadly she had passed away," Georgina recalled.
Uncovering a Transatlantic Family Story
The cousin, Joanna (Jo), was an esteemed epidemiologist with a PhD who lived alone in an apartment in Plaza Street West, Brooklyn. She passed away in November 2022 without having made a will.
With no children, siblings, or known relatives in the US, her death was reported by her building manager. Finders International was then instructed to trace any surviving family members who would be entitled to her estate.
Their investigation revealed that Georgina was Jo's first cousin and only surviving relative, making her the sole heir to the entire estate.
"I was stunned," Georgina said. "I did know Jo. She had always 'been there' on our radar, although we hadn't actually met since I was a very young girl."
A Lasting Connection and a New Chapter
Despite the distance, the family connection had been maintained for decades. Jo's father, George, would often visit the family in the UK and send letters with photos of Jo and her achievements.
Georgina and Jo had also exchanged Christmas cards and letters for years. "I had actually wondered why I hadn't received a card from Jo last Christmas," Georgina admitted. "I couldn't believe the news. Jo was the last cousin that I had. I felt numb."
As part of the inheritance proceedings, Georgina travelled to New York to appear in court. While there, she visited a memorial bench dedicated to Jo by her friends and did some sightseeing, describing the experience as "emotional - but also an incredible experience."
Looking ahead, Georgina plans to use part of the inheritance to arrange a headstone for her Uncle George and Jo in Durham. "I'd like to have a place locally where I can visit and remember them," she said. After that, she intends to help her children and grandchildren and may plan another trip to New York.
The Human Impact of Probate Genealogy
Katelyn Bennett, International Case Manager at Finders International, commented on the case: "We were thrilled to locate Georgina and help unite her with her inheritance. While Jo hadn't made a will so we don't know her final wishes, we like to think she would have been happy that her only remaining cousin and final connection to the UK is benefiting from it."
Simonne Llewellyn, CEO of Finders International, noted that their international department is increasingly busy, with a particular rise in trans-Atlantic cases involving UK émigrés who have settled in the US and died intestate.
Established in 1997, Finders International is the UK's largest professional probate genealogy firm, specialising in tracing missing heirs and beneficiaries worldwide.
